UTICA, N.Y. – Tuesday, United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s sold-out Women United event boomed with excited and empowered women. The event previously called, “100 Women Who Care,” was a fun-filled and engaging event with a focus on health, wellness, self-care, and women empowerment.
The evening was loaded with mixing and mingling, health and wellness tips, inspirational storytelling, a goodie bag, a delicious and healthy dinner, choice raffle baskets, and a variety of women-owned businesses with, home, self-care, health, and wellness products for sale.
At the event, Ella Caiola, co-owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes in New Hartford, and licensed Teaching Assistant at Herkimer High School, shared excerpts from her mother's memoir, titled "The Journey." An inspiring story of a woman that drew strength from her faith and the love of her family. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Wellbeing Engagement Consultant Pat Salzer, RD, presented women with easy, everyday health and wellness tips and tricks. Attendees were also able to let their imagination and mind wander through their pen through the art of Zen Doodling with Munlight Studio.
“This event brought a fantastic group of people together for an evening focused on celebrating & highlighting women-owned and women-led businesses in our community,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way CEO. “During International Women’s Month, it was our pleasure to feature inspiring stories from strong women in our community and to emphasize how important women’s health & wellness is.”
This event also serves as a fundraiser for United Way MV. Thanks to sponsorships and partnerships like with the event’s presenting sponsor, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the nonprofit raised funds to help create a healthier and thriving community – a mission both organizations stand behind.
“We were honored to join with women throughout our community to celebrate a night devoted to women’s wellbeing and empowerment, all while raising funds to support the important mission of United Way of the Mohawk Valley,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS Utica Regional President. “Together, we can improve the lives of those in our community.”
Attendees each received goodie bags filled with freebies, samples, and coupons donated by health and wellness-focused local businesses, as well as women-owned businesses. Thanks to sponsors, Berkshire Bank and New York State Women, Inc., everyone also went home with an at-home craft activity.
Guests were also able to visit with and shop products and services from several women-owned and women-run businesses including anomalie., Be. Life, Art, Magic., BeautyCounter, Compass Financial Wellness, Clearly Connected, Lucianna's Boutique, Retro Sorrento, Sarah Lynn Nutrition, and Color Street.
Attendees were able to feel good knowing that 100% of their ticket went to helping United Way of the Mohawk Valley further its mission thanks to event sponsors including Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Berkshire Bank, New York State Women, Inc., Clearly Connected Integrative Holistic Life Coaching & Wellness Services, Independent Realtor Elzbieta Pawlowski, Kessler Promotions, Munlight Studio, Muse Face Body Spirit, New Hartford Ketamine & Vitamin Infusion Clinic, Nothing Bundt Cakes, PJ Green, Paradigm Consulting, Pulver Roofing Company, Putrelo Building Enterprises, Sarah Lynn Nutrition, Sovena, Inc., Street Corner Market, and Unstoppable You.
For more information on how you can get involved head to: unitedwaymv.org/.
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About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley has been a human service leader in the Mohawk Valley, encouraging all community members to give, advocate and volunteer. Its mission is to mobilize the caring power of the Mohawk Valley by connecting people, resources, and ideas to create a thriving community. United Way funds area programs and initiatives addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability.
United Way of the Mohawk Valley helps thousands of individuals and families throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way funding each year. United Way is a leader in innovation through projects and programs such as childcare through the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI), Ready for Kindergarten, and 211.
For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved visit unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691.
